Claude Giroux is a free agent on July 1 and with the Maple Leafs needing a leader in the 3C, they should go after one of their old rivals to fill the gap.
As July 1 creeps up less than 12 hours away, we are getting very close to the NHL's most hectic day (arguably more than the trade deadline) where prospective free agents choose their next destination and give themselves a chance to be a competitor, earn a big payday, or be a mentor to a young core.
The Maple Leafs are a team who still have some holes to fill and a decent amount of cap to get it done. There are names like Scott Laughton who could return, or the team can go after a veteran scorer like Patrick Kane or Vladimir Tarasenko in order to do so.
Though if the team wanted to durprisr everyone, they could go after a long-time rival who has touched them for over a decade and a half: Claude Giroux.
Toronto's hole down the middle is exactly where Claude Giroux fits in
Giroux, 38, is an older player yes, but he's still more than capable of slotting into a 3C position and his two-way skillset and gaudy face-off numbers are going to be key for balancing a brand new checking line.
He recorded 49 points in all 82 games for the Senators last season, while winning a blistering 63.1% face-off win percentage with 65 hits, a plus-20 and a 55.8% CF so it's clear that he's still capable of bringing a very, very good two-way game even at his age.
You're also not going to lose any offence, considering that it's likely Nick Robertson is on the third line with potentially Dakota Joshua. Giroux's defence will help cover for Robertson's shortcomings, and Joshua will open up space for Giroux to get the puck to Robertson in the offensive zone.
All three love to be physical, there's potential for each player to score 15+ goals, and the defensive side doesn't get sacrificed and he's a huge improvement over Max Domi; who's out long-term.
Giroux signed for $2-million last season and if Toronto were to bring him in it would likely cost a bit more than that. But a multi-year deal worth around $3.5 or $4-million wouldn't be a big overpay for bringing in someone you know will balance things out and bring another leader into a locker room full of veterans.
A guy like Giroux offers more than just the on ice pedigree
Giroux has always been a player highly respected and touted by both his teammates and his opponents but this goes beyond a signing like a Max Domi or Calle Jarnkrok of years past.
He's been in the NHL nearly 20 years and has been one of the most consistent, durable and clutch players of the modern era. He's torched Toronto to the tune of 60 points in 56 games including 27 goals and six game-winners so you'd think they'd love to have him on their side this time around.
But in the locker room he's someone who commands respect but is not unapproachable. He's a caring veteran who wants to help the young guns grow, and his wealth of knowledge and experience will be crucial for names like Gavin McKenna if they want to have a long NHL career.
It's not too often you see a player into his late-30's being able to score at a consistent rate while adding above average defence and possession metrics and is a positive influence in the locker room, so if the Maple Leafs want to really bolster their playoff chances this season?
Maybe they should look to an old rival for help.
Is targeting Claude Giroux in free agency a good or bad idea?
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